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iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement

What you need

  1. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Display: step 1, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    iMac Intel 27" Cardboard Service Wedge
    $4.99
    Buy
    • With the hinge free to move, the iMac will be unbalanced and hard to work on. Repairs can be completed with the iMac laying down, but are faster and easier with an iMac service wedge.

    • If you are using the iFixit cardboard service wedge, follow these assembly directions to put it together.

  2. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Starting on the left of the display, near the power button, insert the iMac Opening Tool into the gap between the glass panel and the rear case.

    • The hub on the iMac Opening Tool will keep you from pushing the wheel in too far. If using a different tool, insert no more than 3/8" (9.5 mm) into the display. You risk severing antenna cables and causing serious damage.

  3. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Use the tool like a pizza cutter—roll it along through the gap, and it will cut the foam adhesive through the center.

    • Be sure to always push with the handle behind the cutting wheel. If you pull, the wheel might get pulled out of the handle.

    • Run the tool up along the left side of the display.

  4. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Continue wheeling the tool up around the top left corner.

  5. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Cut the adhesive along the top left of the display.

  6. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Continue along the top of the display.

    • You may want to run the tool back and forth through what you've already cut a few times, to ensure you get as much of the adhesive separated as possible.

  7. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Push the tool around the top right corner of the display.

  8. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Wheel the tool down along the right side of the display.

  9. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Finish pushing the opening tool to the bottom of the right side of the display.

    • At this point, you'll want to run the tool back around the entire display, to ensure you cut as much adhesive as possible.

  10. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Plastic Cards
    $2.99
    Buy
    • While the opening tool did the lion's share of the work, the display will still be slightly adhered to the case. A plastic card will be necessary to free up the last of this adhesive.

    • Set the iMac face-up on a table.

    • Starting from the top right corner of the iMac, insert a plastic card between the display and frame.

    • Be careful not to insert it more than 3/8" (9.5 mm), or you may damage internal components.

  11. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Gently twist the plastic card to open the space between the display and frame, and cut any remaining adhesive near the corner.

    • Using too much force will crack the glass. Work carefully, and don't try to create a gap any larger than about 1/4" (6 mm).

  12. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • Be sure to stop cutting before the iSight camera in this step, or you may damage it.

    • Slide the card toward the center of the display, to cut any remaining adhesive.

  13. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Put the card into the corner again and let it stay there to keep the adhesive from resettling.

  14. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a second card into the gap between the display and frame in the top left corner.

  15. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Gently twist the card, slightly increasing the space between the display and frame.

    • As with the other side, move slowly to allow the adhesive to break, and be careful not to over-stress the display glass.

  16. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the plastic card toward the center, again stopping just before the iSight camera.

  17. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the card back into the top left corner.

  18. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • Only lift the display a few inches—it is still attached to the iMac by data and power cables.

    • With the cards inserted as shown near the corners, gently twist the cards to increase the gap between display and case.

    • If there are any sections that seem to stick and won't separate, stop twisting and use one of the cards to cut the adhesive in the problem area.

    • Begin to lift the top of the display up from the frame.

  19. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • While holding the display up with one hand, use the other to unplug the display power cable.

    • Lift the display up enough to have easy access to the connections, but not so much that you stretch the cables and stress their connections (about 8").

  20. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Flip up the metal retaining bracket on the display data cable.

    • Disconnect the display data cable.

    • This is a delicate connection that can easily be broken. Be sure to pull the display data cable connector straight out of its socket, toward the top of the iMac.

  21. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the display up to a near-vertical position.

    • At this point there is still a strip of adhesive along the bottom of the display, that will hold the display to the frame like a hinge. You can loosen this adhesive by working the display up and down a few times.

    • Remove as much of the adhesive as possible by grabbing it at the outer edges, and then pulling or rolling it towards the middle.

  22. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Be very careful not to touch the capacitor leads or any exposed solder joints on the back of the power supply (boxed in red).

    • If necessary, a plastic card can be used to cut any remaining sections of the bottom adhesive strip.

  23. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 23, image 3 of 3
    • Be very careful handling the display—it's big, heavy, and made of glass. The display has fragile edges. Avoid lifting the display by the corners.

    • Lift the display up from the frame and remove it from the iMac. Lay the display face down on a flat, soft surface.

    • It may be necessary to slowly lift from one side, to peel against the remaining adhesive.

    • After the adhesive is cut, it cannot be used to re-seal the display in place. Follow this guide when your repair is complete to replace the adhesive strips that secure the display to the rear enclosure.

  24. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 1
    • If you are replacing the display panel, you may need to transfer additional components from the old panel to the new one. Compare the back of the old display with the replacement display. Note all cables, sensors, and foam cushioning that are missing from the new display.

    • If there is a wire or cable underneath adhesive tape, always pull the tape off first.

    • If the cable is glued to the chassis, use a heated iOpener or a hair dryer to soften the adhesive first. You can then slide an opening pick underneath the cable to loosen it. Never pull directly on the delicate connectors.

    • Slide an opening pick underneath the foam cushion pieces to separate them from the display, and gently pull them off. You may need some double sided tape to re-attach them to the new display.

  25. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the support bracket: step 25, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the support bracket: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the nine 3.2 mm screws securing the support bracket.

    • You may need to peel up the display adhesive lining the bottom edge of the iMac enclosure to access the screws.

  26. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the lower support bracket (a.k.a. "chin strap") from the iMac enclosure.

  27. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the left speaker: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • Remove two 10 mm T10 screws.

  28. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 28, image 3 of 3
    • Unplug the left speaker cable by pulling it straight up out of its socket on the logic board.

    • De-route the cable from the gap between the hard drive and logic board.

    • If the gap between the hard drive and logic board is too narrow for the speaker cable, disconnect it and leave the cable in place.

  29. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Be careful not to touch any solder joints on the back of the power supply. Capacitors may be charged enough to give you a dangerous shock.

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the power button connector from its socket on the logic board.

  30. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the left speaker straight up, until the power button cable is exposed (about 0.5 inches).

  31. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 31, image 3 of 3
    • Gently de-route the power button cable from its groove in the left speaker.

  32. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the left speaker straight up and remove it from the iMac.

    • If the gap between the hard drive and logic board was too narrow to free the speaker cable earlier, gently pull it free as you remove the speaker.

    • Push from the connector end as you pull from the speaker end to thread the cable under the hard drive's right bracket.

  33. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Hard Drive: step 33, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Hard Drive: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Pull straight up on the SATA data/power cable to disconnect it from the drive.

  34. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 1
    • Remove two 7.3 mm T10 screws securing the left hard drive bracket to the rear case.

  35. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 35, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 35, image 3 of 3
    • Grab the hard drive and left hard drive bracket together.

    • Tilt the left side up away from the rear case, and slide the assembly to the left.

    • Remove the hard drive and left hard drive bracket from the iMac.

  36. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the left hard drive bracket.

  37. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the power supply: step 37, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the power supply: step 37, image 2 of 2
    • When working on the power supply, be very careful not to touch the capacitor leads or any exposed solder joints on the back of the power supply. Only handle the board by the edges.

    • Disconnect the power supply control cable from the power supply.

  38. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following four screws securing the power supply to the rear case (size T8 or T10 depending on the exact model):

    • Two 23.7 mm Torx screws

    • Two 7.3 mm Torx screws

  39. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 39, image 3 of 3
    • Do not attempt to remove the power supply from the case; it is still attached to the logic board by two cables.

    • Move the power supply board towards the left edge of the case and up to free it from the notch in the logic board.

  40. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 40, image 2 of 2
    • Depress the tab on the DC power cable connector, then pull it straight out of its socket on the back of the logic board.

    • If the cable is too difficult to disconnect, you can remove the power supply board and motherboard together.

  41. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 41, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 41, image 3 of 3
    • Be very careful not to touch the capacitor leads or any exposed solder joints on the back of the power supply. Only handle the board by the edges.

    • Flip the top of the power supply towards you, like opening a mailbox, to reveal the AC inlet cable connector.

    • Disconnect the AC inlet cable connector.

  42. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Right Speaker: step 42, image 1 of 1
    • Remove two 10.0 mm T10 screws.

  43. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 43, image 2 of 2
    • Gently rock the right speaker slightly to the right, to allow access to its cable's connection on the logic board.

  44. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 44, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 44, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 44, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to loosen the right speaker cable's connector from its socket on the logic board.

    • Pull the connector to the right to remove it from its socket.

  45. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 45, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 45, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the speaker straight up and remove it from the iMac.

  46. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the fan: step 46, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the fan: step 46, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the fan: step 46, image 3 of 3
    • Use the tip of a spudger to disconnect the fan cable's connector from its socket on the logic board.

  47. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 47, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 47, image 2 of 2
    • Peel the black tape connecting the fan to the exhaust duct back slightly.

    • Leave the tape in place on the exhaust duct—you only need to expose the joint to free the fan.

  48. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 48, image 1 of 1
    • Remove three 12.4 mm T10 screws securing the fan to the rear case.

  49. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 49, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 49, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the fan from the iMac.

  50. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Logic Board Assembly: step 50, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Logic Board Assembly: step 50, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Logic Board Assembly: step 50, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect each of the four antenna connectors from the AirPort/Bluetooth card.

    • Note the original positions for each connector when reconnecting the cables. From left to right on the card, the antennas are connected in the following order:

    • Leftmost

    • Top

    • Upper right

    • Lower right

  51. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 51, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 51, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 51, image 3 of 3
    • This is a delicate connection that can be easily broken.

    • Flip up the metal retaining bracket on the iSight camera cable.

    • Pull the camera cable connector straight out of its socket, toward the top of the iMac.

  52. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 52, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 52, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 52, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the headphone jack cable connector from its socket on the logic board.

    • Gently push the cable out of the way.

  53. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 53, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 53, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the following screws from the front of the logic board:

    • Two 23.7 mm T10 screws

    • Four 7.4 mm T10 screws

    • One 20.8 mm T25 spacer screw

    • One captive T10 screw

    • This screw is beneath a hole in the logic board. You'll need a fixed screwdriver or the 60 mm extension from an iFixit driver kit to reach it.

  54. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 54, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 54, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 54, image 3 of 3
    • The hard drive SATA cable can't be removed just yet, but will get in the way of removing the logic board.

    • Pull the cable and connector through the right hard drive bracket. Move the cable to the right side of the iMac, out of the way of the exhaust port.

  55. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 55, image 1 of 1
    • Remove two 5.7 mm T10 screws from the top of the heat sink exhaust duct.

  56. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 56, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 56, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 56, image 3 of 3
    • Tilt the logic board slightly forward.

    • Lift the logic board straight up and out of the iMac. Be careful not to snag on any of the screw posts attached to the inside of the rear case.

  57. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 57, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 57, image 2 of 2
    • When reassembling your iMac, be very careful to align the exterior I/O ports correctly. The logic board can sit crooked even when secured with all its screws.

    • You can use a USB flashdrive or ethernet cable to ensure the logic board is seated correctly while you screw it in.

  58. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Heat Sink: step 58, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Heat Sink: step 58, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Heat Sink: step 58, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the four 7.5 mm T8 screws from behind the GPU on the logic board.

    • These screws are set inside large, spring-loaded Phillips #2 screws. To prevent the larger screws from spinning when you loosen the T8 screws, hold them with a fingertip or Phillips #2 screwdriver.

  59. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 59, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the bracket from behind the GPU heat sink.

  60. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 60, image 1 of 1
    • Remove four black stickers from the back of the CPU heat sink.

  61. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 61, image 1 of 1
    • Remove four 12.3 mm T10 screws from the back of the CPU heat sink.

  62. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 62, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 62, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 62, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the spring plate from behind the CPU heat sink.

    • Lift and remove the backing plate from behind the CPU heat sink. The backing plate has two posts that fit into alignment holes in the logic board.

  63. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 63, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 63, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 63, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the heat sink up from the logic board.

    • The CPU will most likely stick to the heat sink, so be careful about where you put it down.

  64. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the CPU: step 64, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the CPU: step 64, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Remove the CPU: step 64, image 3 of 3
    • The CPU will most likely be stuck to the heat sink with thermal compound.

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger between the CPU and heat sink.

    • Gently pry the CPU up by slightly twisting the spudger.

    • Remove the CPU from the heat sink. Be careful not to touch the contacts.

    • Disassembly is now complete—the following steps are for reinstalling the CPU.

  65. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Install the CPU: step 65, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Install the CPU: step 65, image 2 of 2
    • Replace the backing plate on the motherboard, and hold it in place while you turn the board over so the side with the CPU socket faces up.

  66. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 66, image 1 of 1
    • Before installing the heat sink, see our thermal paste guide for instructions on cleaning and preparing the thermal surfaces and applying a new layer of thermal compound onto the CPU and GPU dies.

    • For the VRAM chips surrounding the GPU, install thermal pads or a thick thermal paste such as K5-PRO, rather than regular thermal paste.

    • The above-mentioned "thermal surfaces" are as follows:

    • The CPU

    • The GPU

    • The VRAM chips

    • The heat sink plates

    • Note that the heat sink does not need new thermal paste. Clean it, but only apply thermal paste to the other surfaces.

  67. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 67, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 67, image 2 of 2
    • Align the CPU so that the cutouts in the CPU match the tabs in the socket.

    • Gently place the CPU in the socket. Try to set it straight down and avoid sliding it around once it is in the socket.

  68. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Install the heat sink: step 68, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement, Install the heat sink: step 68, image 2 of 2
    • Align the holes on the CPU section of the heat sink with the pins on the backing plate.

    • Set the heat sink straight down on the CPU, GPU, and VRAM chips.

    • Do not move the heat sink around once it contacts the CPU. The thermal paste will adhere the CPU to the heat sink and moving it around can bend the CPU pins.

  69. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 69, image 1 of 1
    • Keeping inward pressure on both the heat sink and the backing plate, flip the logic board over so the heat sink faces down.

    • Make sure to keep pressure on the backing plate while you move the logic board. If the backing plate falls out then the heat sink can shift and damage the CPU pins.

  70. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 70, image 1 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 70, image 2 of 3 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 70, image 3 of 3
    • Place the spring plate on the backing plate.

    • Be very careful not to move the heat sink while you install the screws.

    • Carefully thread one of the CPU heat sink screws slightly into the heat sink so that just a couple threads are engaged.

    • Press down on the opposite corner of the spring plate from where you just installed a screw.

    • While holding the corner down, thread another screw into that corner of the heat sink, again just tightening it until a couple threads are engaged.

  71. iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 71, image 1 of 2 iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639 CPU Replacement: step 71, image 2 of 2
    • Repeat the process of pressing down the spring plate and slightly threading in the screws to install the remaining two heat sink screws.

    • Tighten the screws down a little at a time in the same order that you installed them—in an "X" pattern starting at one corner and then crossing to the opposite corner.

    • Do not over-tighten the screws to avoid damaging the logic board. Just tighten them until they stop against the board.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse and use our Adhesive Strips Guide to reattach the display glass.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

38 other people completed this guide.

25 Comments

i7 processor that you can put on a Imac 2013?

andres - Reply

The thermal compound/paste that is used by Apple on the GPU and memory is less than stellar. I would highly recommend stressing the GPU Memory gap in this guide. As you can see in the images of the cooler, specifically the GPU side, apple uses a white paste compound for thermal transfer. The problem is that the cooler does not contact the memory for the GPU. Once you remove the cooler it breaks the compound in several spots, and it will never be as good as it was unless care is made, and you are aware of this prior to re-installation.

tjk4 - Reply

Furthermore, with the GTX775M and GTX780M equipped iMacs, the temperatures are already above normal without removing the cooler. If you try and push these chips with the added memory in the latest generation games you will get artifacts from overheating. Due to the gap between the memory and the cooler you are also unable to use Arctic Silver as a remedy, as the gap is too much, with the logic board being vertical. (Risking seepage down the board, which I have already seen when performing the proper fix on another iMac) The coverage and type of thermal compound Apple is using is not sufficient. In the factory state the thermal compound is centered on the memory, however only 40% of the actual module comes in contact of the memory and the cooler. What I have done on my iMac and a few others so far is use thermal tape.

tjk4 - Reply

YES, I F*&^* hate thermal tape when compared to quality compound. With this only exception, the tape is more effective than the stock compound, and it is quarantined to make 100% contact, while dissipating heat properly. I have seen a drop of 15% under heavy use on the GPU since using the tape. YOU do not want to use cheap thermal tape! Standard tape only has a 3-5 watt thermal conductivity, which is equal to or less than a standard compound. You can go through frozencpu.com and purchase Fujipoly Extreme Thermal Pads which have a rating of 11. For use on the 27" iMacs, I went with 100 x 15 x 1.5 and (2) are needed to do completely cover both sides of the memory banks on the logic board.

Please, if you remove the cooler to replace the CPU you have to be aware of the GPU and the gap involved on the memory chips, and the potential of further gaps upon re-installation.

tjk4 - Reply

Are you suggesting that you used this 11kw tape on both the GPU and the GPU Memory modules?

I brought that tape but 1.5mm is way too tall and chose not to use it after all on my 27' 2013 14,2 model. Instead used 11kw X1 Extreme Fusion paste from Master Cooler. Its non-conductive so don't have to worry about short circuits. Its also very thick so doesn't run. I used the "small pea" technique on the GPU and GPU memory dims. For the actual CPU which I upgraded from the base i5 to a i7 4771 I used the "Thin line" technique.

AW H -

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